CIRCUMSTANCES OF LOSSOn 7 November 1942, the Cactus Air Force received word of a Japanese destroyer flotilla approaching Guadalcanal. A group of 7 SBD Dauntless dive bombers assembled from two Marine squadrons went in search of the ships and, despite heavy antiaircraft fire and a screen of defending floatplanes, managed to drop their bombs among the enemy destroyers.

Second Lieutenant Francis Sullivanand PFC John A. Kovacs took part in this flight. Their bomber, SBD-3 Bureau Number 03273 was last seen over the Japanese ships approximately 100 miles from Guadalcanal. No friendly aircraft saw them fall; they simply did not return from the mission. Both Marines were declared dead on 8 November 1943.